Halfords staff gearing up for cycle challenge

Members of Halfords staff across Scotland, including their Inverurie branch, are gearing up for a 100 mile cycle in aid of charity.

17 members of staff from Halfords are set to tackle the West Highland Way over three days beginning on Friday, June 12, by bicycle to raise money for Halfords own charity “Re-cycle: Bikes to Africa”.

“Re-cycle” take old, unwanted or unused bicycles, refurbish and fix them, then send them to Africa to supply a convenient means of transport in a country where people can spend hours walking to get access to food, education, work or healthcare.

So far the charity has sent more than 65,000 bikes to Africa.

Leanne Charlton from Halfords, Inverurie told the Herald, “In Britain, millions of bikes are thrown away or lie unused in sheds, whilst many people in Africa have no access to transport of any kind. People spend hours each day walking to collect water, firewood or to access health care, school and employment.

“A bicycle lightens this burden and dramatically improves their well-being as well as work and education opportunities helping to bring social change. A bicycle cuts travel time to a fraction and can carry passengers and heavy loads. Bikes give families the extra time to earn, learn and enjoy life. We have sent over 65,000 bikes so far!

“We have a just giving page for any sponsors http://www.justgiving.com/halfordsscotland15. We would appreciate anything and its for a great cause!”

Re~Cycle collects the unwanted bicycles and ships them in containers of to partners in Africa. They are distributed to people as a low cost and environmentally friendly means of transport, improving access to water, health care, education and employment.

Bicycles also need bike parts and trained mechanics to fix them, creating opportunities for people to learn new skills and gain employment.